They Say I Say Graff

They Say / I Say: Mastering the Art of Academic Argumentation

Crafting a compelling academic argument isn't about simply stating your opinions; it's about engaging in a sophisticated conversation with existing scholarship. This is where Gerald Graff and Cathy Birkenstein's invaluable guide, "They Say / I Say: The Moves That Matter in Academic Writing," comes in. This comprehensive article will delve into the core principles of this seminal text, providing a detailed explanation of its key concepts and demonstrating how to effectively integrate them into your own writing. We'll explore the importance of clearly stating what others are saying, articulating your own position in relation to those claims, and ultimately constructing a persuasive and well-supported argument.

Introduction: The Importance of Entering the Conversation

Academic writing isn't a solitary pursuit; it's a vibrant dialogue. "They Say / I Say" emphasizes the crucial first step: identifying and summarizing the arguments you're responding to. Simply stating your own ideas without acknowledging the existing scholarly conversation is akin to shouting into a void. Your argument needs context, a framework provided by the perspectives you're engaging with. Ignoring this foundational element renders your work less impactful and less persuasive. This book equips you with the tools to enter this conversation gracefully and effectively, transforming your writing from a mere statement of opinion into a robust and compelling academic contribution. Understanding how to appropriately use templates and phrases to smoothly transition between summarizing others' viewpoints and presenting your own is paramount to successful academic writing.

The "They Say" Move: Summarizing and Representing Others' Views

Before launching into your own argument, you must clearly articulate the views you're responding to. Graff and Birkenstein emphasize the importance of accuracy and fairness in summarizing others' positions. Avoid caricature or misrepresentation. Here are some key strategies for effectively executing the "they say" move:

• Use signal verbs: Verbs like argue, claim, assert, suggest, insist, believe, contend, etc., help you accurately represent the author's position without distorting their meaning. Choosing the right verb is critical to conveying the nuance of their argument.

• Summarize fairly: Present the author's views in their best possible light. Avoid selectively quoting only the parts that support your argument. Strive for balance and objectivity.

• Use reporting verbs to indicate the strength of the claim: Words like generally, mainly, typically, often, usually allow you to show that you understand the nuances of the argument and aren’t presenting oversimplified assertions.

• Use templates: Graff and Birkenstein provide numerous templates for summarizing others’ work effectively. For instance: “According to X, …” “As the prominent scholar X has argued, …” “X claims that…” These templates provide a strong foundation for smoothly transitioning into your own analysis.

The "I Say" Move: Articulating Your Own Position

Once you've clearly stated "they say," it's time to articulate your "I say." This is where you present your own argument, analysis, or critique. However, it's crucial to connect your "I say" directly to the "they say." Don't simply present your ideas in isolation. Your argument must be a direct response to the ideas you've already summarized.

• Use clear and concise language: Avoid ambiguity. State your position clearly and directly.

• Support your claims with evidence: Your "I say" isn't just an opinion; it's a reasoned argument supported by evidence, examples, and logical reasoning.

• Address potential counterarguments: Acknowledge and address potential objections to your position. This strengthens your argument by demonstrating your awareness of alternative perspectives.

• Use transitions: Employ transition words and phrases to smoothly connect your "I say" to the "they say." Examples include: however, although, nevertheless, on the other hand, in contrast, conversely.

Integrating "They Say" and "I Say": Creating a Coherent Argument

The power of "They Say / I Say" lies in its ability to seamlessly integrate the "they say" and "I say" components. This integration creates a dynamic and engaging argument that doesn't just state your position but demonstrates your understanding of the broader scholarly conversation. Several strategies facilitate this integration:

• Point-by-point refutation: You address each point made by the "they say" and offer a counterargument in response.

• Summarizing the main points before introducing your own argument: This provides context and a clear roadmap for the reader.

• Using a "yes, but" or "on the one hand...on the other hand" approach: This acknowledges the validity of some aspects of the "they say" while simultaneously presenting a counterpoint.

• Using a "so what?" approach: Explain why your position matters and what its implications are.

Advanced Techniques: Responding to Complicated Texts

The book also provides strategies for engaging with more complex texts, such as those that present multiple perspectives or nuanced arguments. These include:

• Distinguishing different voices within a single text: Some texts present various opinions without explicitly stating who holds which view. Your role is to carefully discern these differing voices and respond appropriately.

• Responding to multiple sources: The ability to effectively integrate multiple sources is crucial for advanced academic writing. You need to demonstrate how different texts relate to each other and to your own argument.

• Using metacommentary: This involves explaining your own ideas and arguments to the reader. It can clarify what you mean, emphasize key points, and keep your argument focused.

Examples of "They Say / I Say" Templates

Graff and Birkenstein provide many useful templates that can help you integrate "they say" and "I say" smoothly. Here are a few examples:

• Introducing what "they say":

  • "Many people assume that..."
  • "Although some believe that..., others argue that..."
  • "It is often argued that..."

• Introducing your own position ("I say"):

  • "However, I would argue that..."
  • "In contrast to this view, I suggest that..."
  • "My own view is that..."

• Connecting "they say" and "I say":

  • "While X's argument that...is compelling, it fails to account for..."
  • "Although some argue that..., this view ignores the fact that..."
  • "I agree with X that...but I also believe that..."

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

• Is "They Say / I Say" only for academic writing? While the book is focused on academic writing, the principles can be applied to various forms of persuasive writing, including persuasive essays, blog posts, and even business presentations.

• How many sources should I respond to? The number of sources depends on the scope of your assignment. Focus on selecting sources that directly relate to your argument and allow for a rich and insightful discussion.

• Can I disagree with everything "they say"? It’s perfectly acceptable to disagree with the sources you're analyzing. The key is to do so respectfully, fairly, and with well-supported evidence.

• What if I can't find any sources that directly address my topic? In such cases, you might need to broaden your research or reframe your argument. You might find related topics that provide relevant context.

• How can I make my writing more engaging and less dry? Use vivid language, interesting examples, and a clear and concise writing style. Avoid jargon and overly technical terms.

Conclusion: Mastering the Art of Academic Conversation

"They Say / I Say" is more than just a guide to academic writing; it's a key to unlocking the art of persuasive argumentation. By mastering the principles outlined in this book, you'll learn to engage effectively in the academic conversation, constructing arguments that are not only well-supported but also compelling and insightful. Remember that effective academic writing is a dynamic interaction between what others are saying and what you have to say. By clearly stating both, and seamlessly connecting them, you’ll create powerful and persuasive arguments. The book's practical templates and clear guidance make the seemingly daunting task of academic writing much more manageable and empower you to contribute meaningfully to the scholarly dialogue. This detailed explanation provides a strong foundation for understanding and applying the key concepts within "They Say / I Say," ultimately transforming your writing from a simple statement of opinions to a robust and persuasive academic argument.